Thanks for the replies, and yes I'm from Cali. Not only do we have the most f*cked up emissions laws, now this.

The reason I'm mad is because I can't believe this is considered a criminal matter. I truly believe the officer was wrong in giving me this ticket. But this will be decided in court, because now the burden of proof is on him to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that I was "drag racing". This was on a residential tract and I was the only person on that street at that time, I never chirped my tires, never did a standing burnout, he saw me for about 3 seconds before he pulled me over. Yes, I'm whining... I'll stop.

What I'm looking at in terms of punishment:

-Fine of $500
-or 90 days in jail
-or both of the above

Since laws are different for each state, below is a link to the law specific to my case.

California Vehicle Code 23109 (see subsection "C")